GOVT 101: Introduction to United States Politics

This course is an examination of the American political system, its institutions and processes. Topics studied include political behavior, the Constitution, the Congress, the Presidency, the courts, and current foreign and domestic issues. Recommended for students who have not had an adequate secondary school preparation in American government. [SS] Clarke, Kincaid, Murphy, SoRelle

GOVT 102: Introduction to International Politics

This course reviews the main issues and problems confronted by the international system and the literature devoted to them. The course deals with phenomena such as peace and war, integration and disintegration, economic and military assistance, and formulation and execution of foreign policy. Special emphasis is placed on stability and change in the global system. [SS]Cho, Peleg, Park

GOVT 103: Introduction to Comparative Politics

This is a survey of governments and politics in the industrialized and Third World countries. The course examines the question of what it means to compare political systems and explores the historical setting, nature of political participation, political values, governmental structures, and political performance of selected countries in Western Europe, Asia, the Middle East, Africa, Latin America. [SS]Fabian, Stewart-Gambino, Van Dyck

GOVT 104: Introduction to Political Theory

This course introduces students to several of the most important thinkers and themes in the tradition of political theory. The topics and texts of the course vary, but students can expect to confront such issues as justice, equality, and power, and to read both classic and contemporary authors. Feola, Miller, Silverstein

GOVT 207: Racial & Ethnic Minorities in American Politics

This course examines the role of racial and ethnic minority groups in United States politics. We will focus on four main minority groups (Blacks, Latinos/Hispanics, Asian Americans, and American Indians) assessing their engagement and influence in governmental processes historically and today. Specific topics covered during the semester include: how race has shaped American political institutions, laws, and practices over time, the formation of minority political attitudes, participation rates, and the degree to which racial and ethnic minorities are represented in the local, state, and federal levels of government. A strong focus will be placed on the salience of race in the post-Obama era.Prerequisite: GOVT 101 or permission of the instructor

GOVT 211: State and Local Government and Politics

Examines what state and local governments do and why. Topics include state constitutions; state legislative, executive, and judicial processes and policymaking; state and local budgets, taxes, and spending; county, municipal, special-district, and school-district governments and services; state and local parties, elections, interest groups, and media; intergovernmental relations; Native American tribes, homeowner associations, and associated states; and selected policy issues such as civil rights, crime, business and economics, health care, and environmental protection. [SS, V, W]Kincaid

GOVT 213: Law and Society

Investigation of the dynamics of the legal process in the regulation of social conflict, change, and control. Topics include philosophical sources; the administration of criminal and civil justice; and litigation as politics. [W] Silverstein

GOVT 215: Campaigns and Elections

Elections rest at the heart of America’s representative democracy. This course offers a general introduction to U.S. elections, with special attention paid to electoral campaigns. We will explore such questions as: What legal structures shape how American elections are conducted? What strategies do candidates follow to win elections? What is the purpose of political parties in elections? Do race, gender, religious, and other social identities affect electoral outcomes? What role do media play in elections? SoRellePrerequisite: Govt 101 or permission of instructor

GOVT 218: Politics of Public Policy

This course explores how politics influence each step of the U.S. policymaking process. We will explore how political dynamics shape why some issues get on the agenda while others don’t; why some solutions are considered and others ignored; and how citizens, interest groups, elected officials, and bureaucrats sway policy outcomes. We will examine these questions using case studies of several current economic, social, regulatory, and foreign policy issues in the U.S. [SS, W] SoRellePrerequisite: Govt 101 or PSTD 251 or permission of instructor

GOVT 220: The United States and Latin American Relations

It is impossible to understand the expansion of the US’s international role in the past two hundred years without knowledge of our country’s relationship to the rest of the Americas, particularly the nations in Latin America. This course introduces students to the United States historical relationship with Latin America from the early 1800s to the present day. Students examine events and US policies from multiple ideological and national lenses, critically evaluating the debates that color so-called “objective” accounts of history. Stewart-GambinoPrerequisite: Govt 102 or 103, or permission of instructor

GOVT 223: Politics of Africa

Analysis of selected sub-Saharan states with particular attention to common institutional features such as ethnic pluralism, weak political parties, dominant public bureaucracies, dependence on external forces, and the problems associated with them: limited capacity to innovate, rural stagnation, ethnic competition, corruption, and military intervention. The South African situation is likewise examined.

GOVT 225: Politics of Russia, the Other Post-Soviet States, and Eastern Europe

After a brief examination of the politics of the former Soviet Union and Eastern Europe before World War II, the bulk of the course looks more in depth at developments in this region during and after the cold war. The final section of the course examines the post-1989/90 transition process toward democracy and a market economy in Russia, the other post-Soviet states, the Czech Republic, Poland, and Hungary, and touches on the issue of NATO expansion to Poland, Hungary, and the Czech Republic. [GM2, SS] Fabian

GOVT 226: Political Regimes and Regime Change

There are two main types of political regime: democracy and everything else. Historically, democracies have differed from non-democracies in two key ways: (1) they have permitted citizens to remove governments regularly and peacefully, and (2) they have not killed large numbers of their own citizens. Why did the West democratize early? Why has most of the developing world democratized since the 1970s? Under what conditions do regimes (i.e., democracies and non-democracies) achieve long-term stability? [W] Van DyckPrerequisite: One of the following: Govt 101, 102, 103, 104, or permission of instructor

GOVT 227: Latin America Politics

This course examines the dynamics of political and economic change in modern Latin America, with a focus on six countries: Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Mexico, Peru, and Venezuela. Topics include industrialization and the advent of mass politics, Marxist revolutions and movements, military coups and dictatorships, the neoliberal turn, the third wave of democratization, the challenge of democratic consolidation, and the recent resurgence of the left. The course compares a variety of theoretical approaches (modernization, dependency, cultural, institutionalist, leadership-centered) in an effort to explain both general processes of change and important differences between countries. [W]Van DyckPrerequisite: Govt 102 or 103, or permission of instructor

GOVT 230: International Politics of the Middle East and Persian Gulf

The course examines topics such as the Arab-Israeli conflict, the struggle for domination in the Arab World, the role of the superpowers in the region, and the politics of oil. An analysis of international political processes in some of the Middle Eastern countries is used to examine explanations for the foreign policies of these countries. The course assesses different solutions to problems confronted by the nations of the Middle East. [GM2,W]Peleg

GOVT 231: Global Environmental Politics

Global Environmental Politics bridges international politics and environmental issues, offering an explicit focus on environmental problems and policies in the global context. Students in this course will study the development of global environmental regimes and analyze the successes and continuing deficiencies of political responses to various environmental issues, such as air pollution, water quality, waste management, climate change, and energy use. [SS, V, W]FabianPrerequisite: Govt 102 or permission of instructor

GOVT 232: International Political Economy

Investigates the dynamics of wealth and power at work in the contemporary world. The course combines the analysis of politics, governance and institutions, and the production and distribution of wealth with the study of the social, cultural, and moral contexts in which power operates and wealth is created.Prerequisite: Govt 102 or permission of instructor

GOVT 238: East Asian International Relations

This course explores the major analytical perspectives on the sources of stability and conflict in East Asian international relations and evaluates them by using empirical evidence from the East Asian region since the “clash civilizations” in the 19th century up to the current regional order. Topics for discussion include U.S. strategy in East Asia, the impact of the rise of China on regional security, nuclear proliferation, territorial disputes, nationalism, economic interdependence, and regionalism. [GM2, SS] Park Prerequisite: Govt 102 or permission of instructor

GOVT 241: The Politics of Fashion

Examining the fashion system, a multibillion dollar worldwide industry, this course raises issues of appearance, beauty, gender, and sexuality; power, liberation, and oppression; and class distinctions and equality. To develop a political theory of fashion, the course studies the practice and production of clothes and style, and analyzes texts from literature, sociology, history, and cultural studies. [W] MillerPrerequisite: Govt 104 or permission of instructor

GOVT 242: African American Political Thought

This course explores classic texts, questions, and debates addressed by contemporary African American political theory. We will ask: What are the similarities, differences, and overlaps among varying strains of African American political thought? How do they each deal with core concepts of freedom, identity, citizenship, and community? How do they respond to one another through time? Throughout the course, we will consider our times in light of this history of political thought. [H, GM1, V, W] MillerPrerequisite: One of the following: GOVT 104, AFS 102, ENG 246, PHIL 102, HIST 119, HIST 261, A&S 214, or permission of instructor

GOVT 244: Modern Political Theory

An examination of selected theoretical texts from the Renaissance to the French Revolution. The separation of political theory from religious discourse, the rise of the state, and the development of liberal and democratic thought are examined. Machiavelli, Hobbes, Locke, Montesquieu, and Rousseau are usually treated. [SS, V, W] Feola, SilversteinPrerequisite: Govt 104 or permission of instructor

GOVT 245: Early American Political Thought

This course studies the theoretical and political struggle to define American politics that took place among Puritans, radical democrats, liberal individualists, and liberal nationalists. Early 19th century reactions to the liberal founding are also explored. Authors studied often include Winthrop, Franklin, Jefferson, Paine, the Federalists, Emerson, and Douglass. [W] MillerPrerequisite: Govt 104 or permission of instructor

GOVT 246: Recent American Political Thought

The themes of racial conflict, equality, the rise of the state, social Darwinism, education, and the changing role of women are explored. The course does not emphasize the historical contexts of ideas, but seeks to discover what is true and relevant for the present in texts written from the Civil War to the present. [W] MillerPrerequisite: Govt 104 or permission of instructor

GOVT 248: Capitalism and Its Critics

This course examines both the political goods that are associated with capitalism (freedom, democracy, etc.) – and challengers (classic and contemporary) who argue that this economic form has rather more problematic social effects. We will read texts that address a wide range of questions, ranging from poverty, to capitalist labor markets, to the marketization of greater domains of life (e.g. bodily organs, water, education), to the impact of market values on democratic practice. [SS, V, W] Feola
Prerequisite: Govt 104 or permission of instructor

GOVT 258: Political Opinion and Participation in the United States

This course examines Americans’ political views and behaviors, including what citizens think about and do politically, as well as why they make the political choices they do. Topics include the causes and effects of partisanship; whether Americans’ political choices are “rational”; who tends to vote (and why); the impact of values and group identities on political choices; political persuasion and influence; and the role of cognition and emotion in political decision-making. [SS]Prerequisite: Govt 101 or permission of instructor

GOVT 270: Chinese Foreign Policy

This course examines the sources and conduct of Chinese foreign policy from both historical and theoretical perspectives. The first part of the course explores major factors that influence China’s foreign relations, including the international system, domestic politics, and nationalism. The second half of the course turns to the practice of Chinese foreign policy over a wide-range of issue areas, such as China’s relations with the United States, trade, regionalism, nuclear proliferation, energy, and climate change. [SS] ChoPrerequisite: One of the following: Govt 102, Asia 101, or permission of instructor

GOVT 271: The New Deal and American Politics

The New Deal transformed American politics, setting the framework for modern day debates about the role of the federal government in American society. This course examines the New Deal and the years immediately following it (roughly 1933-1953 from a range of historical and theoretical perspectives, as well as original source materials. Prerequisite: GOVT 101 or permission of the instructor

GOVT 309: Scope and Methods of Political Science

Acquaints students with social science inquiry—the process by which political scientists develop research questions and attempt to find answers. The course explores various approaches to political inquiry, ways to structure and critique arguments, methods to conceptualize a research question and develop causal models, means to create a testable hypothesis, and how to evaluate various methods of data collection. The final section focuses on data processing, analysis, and introductory statistics. Helps evaluate political science material and enables them to undertake a social science research project.

GOVT 310: Politics, Policy, and Law in American Federalism

Explores American federalism as a system of democratic self-rule and share rule, and examines how federal-state-local government relations shape law, politics, and policy in the United States. Topics include: covenantal origins and constitutional theory of American federalism; historical transformations; legal, political, administrative, and fiscal dynamics of intergovernmental relations; and the impacts of federalism on such policy issues as civil rights, business and the economy, taxation, environmental protection, and foreign affairs. [GM1, SS, W]Kincaid

GOVT 311: Constitutional Law and Politics in the United States

Constitutional adjudication as a political process which generates and manages social conflicts regarding the basic allocation of governmental authority in the American system. Topics include judicial review, limits on executive and legislative power, federalism, and the court and social change. [W] MurphyPrerequisite: Govt 101 or permission of instructor

GOVT 313: First Amendment in the United States: Law and Politics

This course examines the development of constitutional doctrine as it relates to the First Amendment of the Bill of Rights. Topics include freedom of expression, church-state relations, and freedom of the press. [W] Murphy, SilversteinPrerequisite: One of the following: Govt 101, 213, 311, 314, 315, or permission of instructor

GOVT 314: Liberty in the United States: Law and Politics

Many of the social conflicts that the law considers relate to claims of rights grounded upon conceptions of liberty as a fundamental value of the constitutional system of the United States. This course explores the concept of liberty, its place in United States law and politics, and its application to questions of constitutional and political rights. Topics include privacy and criminal justice. [W] MurphyPrerequisite: One of the following: Govt 101, 213, 311, 313, 315, or permission of instructor

GOVT 315: Equality in the United States: Law and Politics

Many of the social conflicts that the law considers relate to claims of rights grounded upon conceptions of equality as a fundamental value of the constitutional system of the United States. This course explores the concept of equality, its place in U.S. law and politics, and its application to questions of constitutional and political rights. Topics include discrimination on grounds of race, gender, etc., and remedial programs such as busing and affirmative action. [W] SilversteinPrerequisite: One of the following: Govt 101, 213, 311, 313, 314, or permission of instructor

GOVT 320: The Presidency and Executive Politics

This course explores the dynamics of executive politics, with primary emphasis upon the structure and operation of the United States Presidency. Topics include the organization of the Presidency and the Executive Branch, models of presidential power and leadership, the process of presidential selection, relationships with other parts of the political system, and executive politics and public policy. [W] ClarkePrerequisite: One of the following: Govt 101, 211,311, 321, or permission of instructor

GOVT 321: Congress and the Legislative Process

This course analyzes the process of lawmaking in the United States Congress within the context of the legislative process generally. Topics include the structural and functional development of the institution, the rules and norms which govern interaction, congressional elections, leadership and party organization, relationships with other parts of the political system, and public policy. Clarke

GOVT 331: Politics of the European Union

Major changes are taking place in governance, decision making, and relations between the people, institutions and states that form the European Union. These changes are the main topics covered in this course: the origin and history of European integration, common agricultural policy, monetary integration and relations with other parts of the world. Each year, with a select focus on one EU member and one specific policy, the class will participate in the Mid-Atlantic European Union simulation, held in Washington, DC. FabianPrerequisite: Govt 102 or 103,or permission of instructor

GOVT 332: Globalization and Security

This course explores the various ways in which globalization is (re)shaping the concept and practice of international as well as national security. Throughout the course, we will examine the major concepts and issues in the globalization of security from both the theoretical and empirical standpoints. Topics for discussion include migration and national security, terrorism and asymmetric warfare, defense privatization, economic sanctions, and collective security. [W]ParkPrerequisite: Govt 102 or permission of instructor

GOVT 334: American Security Policy

A study of the formulation, implementation, and effects of U.S. foreign policy. The course will examine and analyze U.S. defense and foreign policy vis-à-vis Europe, Asia, Latin America, and Africa; the decision-making community, and such concepts as globalism, imperialism, nuclear and limited war; insurgency; threat perception; confrontation and coexistence; and foreign policy ethics. [W] PelegPrerequisite: Govt 102 or permission of instructor

GOVT 336: International Conflict

An examination of different forms of international conflict: nuclear war, conventional war, guerrilla war, limited reprisals, etc. Explanations for international conflicts are suggested in interdisciplinary terms. Some better-known historical and contemporary conflicts are analyzed. The course also deals with the effectiveness of various solutions for the elimination or the minimization of conflict on the international level. [SS, V, W] FabianPrerequisite: Govt 102 and one course from Govt 221-239, or permission of instructor

GOVT 341: Contemporary Political Thought

This course studies those 19th and 20th century thinkers most discussed by political theorists today. We will attempt to chart both the institutional forms of, and theoretical responses to, modern power. Hegel, Marx, Freud, Nietzsche, Weber, and Foucault are often studied in this course. [W]Prerequisite: Govt 104 or permission of instructor

GOVT 366, 367: Special Topics

An offering on a subject selected by the instructor to meet student and departmental needs as conditions permit. Announcement of the subject is made in advance.Prerequisite: Permission of instructor

GOVT 380: Internship

A combination of independent activities including selected readings, satisfactory completion of an internship or working assignment in a public agency, and a written report covering both reading and work assignments. Limited in enrollment by the availability of acceptable projects. Fabian
Signature of the Instructor Required

GOVT 390, 391: Independent Study

Subjects are chosen and arrangements are made to suit the needs of each student in consultation with the instructor.Signature of the Instructor Required

GOVT 401: Representation, Apportionment, and Democratic Participation

At the core of representative democracy is the notion that the people can be substantively present in the process of governance even though literally absent. This seminar will use theoretical, empirical, legal, and comparative perspectives to explore this paradox. Topics include apportionment, gerrymandering, and voting rights. Satisfies exposure to U.S. politics subfield. [W]Prerequisite: One of the following: Govt 215, 310, 311, 313, 314, 315, Hist 258, or permission of instructor

GOVT 405: US Foreign Policy in a Changing World

This seminar deals with the challenges to American foreign policy in the contemporary world. It compares the predictable environment of the Cold War and the competition with the Soviet Union to the unchartered waters of the post-Cold War era. The seminar begins by analyzing alternative paradigms of today’s world both in terms of the distribution of power (uni-, bi-, tri-, or multi-polar system) and in terms of the fundamental nature of international conflict (state-based power politics, clash of civilization, religious fundamentalism). It then examines possible U.S. responses to this “deregulated” world dealing with classical dilemmas of American foreign policy (e.g. isolationist tendencies vs. interventionism, U.S. as a world policeman vs. a “reluctant sheriff”). The seminar will cover U.S. policy vis-a-vis different regions and countries (Europe, the Middle East, the Persian Gulf, Russia, the Peoples’ Republic of China) and toward a variety of issues (human rights, weapons of mass destruction, NATO expansion). Satisfies exposure to international politics subfield. [W] PelegPrerequisite: Govt 102 plus one from Govt 221-238 or Govt 334, or permission of instructor

GOVT 407: Law and Social Movements

This course examines the relationship between law and social movement activism. The course explores whether or not the use of the legal system by social movements contributes to their attempts to advance reforms. Particular attention will be paid to the development of law by the following social movements in the United States: the civil rights movement, the women’s rights movement, the movement for gay and lesbian rights, and the animal rights movement. Satisfies exposure to U.S. politics subfield. [W] SilversteinPrerequisite: One of the following: Govt 213, 311, 313, 314, 315, or permission of instructor

GOVT 410: Personality and Supreme Court Decision Making

This course examines the relationship between the evolution of the personalities of members of the United States Supreme Court and their decision making. Particular attention will be paid to the application of the “life cycle” paradigms to the jurisprudence of various justices. Satisfies exposure to U.S. politics subfield. [W] MurphyPrerequisite: One of the following: Govt 311, 313, 314, 315, Hist 258, or permission of instructor

GOVT 412: Politics of European Integration

This will be an advanced course on the challenges as well as the opportunities for further integration that face the European Union. Drawing the lesson from centuries of divisions, tensions, conflicts and war, European leaders initiated what can now be regarded as the most successful experiment of regional integration in the world. This course analyzes the process of European integration since 1945, by reviewing the EU’s history of enlargement, its main institutions and key policies. Satisfies exposure to international or comparative politics subfield. [GM2, SS, W]FabianPrerequisite: Govt 102 plus one from Govt 221-238, or permission of instructor

GOVT 414: Political Thought through Literature

In this course, we will study some dimensions and themes of politics that can be reached by literature differently than by traditional works of political theory. We will read classic texts and think about their political meanings, understanding politics in its broadest sense. Works that may be treated in the course include Sophocles’ Three Theban Plays, Leo Tolstoy’s The Death of Ivan Ilyich, Edith Wharton’s The Custom of the Country, Ralph Ellison’s Invisible Man, and Don Dellilo’s White Noise. Satisfies exposure to political theory subfield. [W] MillerPrerequisite: Govt 104or permission of instructor

GOVT 415: Nationalism in World Politics

This course explores the concept and practice of nationalism, with a particular emphasis on the role that it plays in world politics. We will survey the main concepts and theories in the study of nationalism, identify the major actors and processes in the politics of nationalism, examine the emergence of nationalism as a major force in international relations, and investigate various links between questions of national identity and interstate cooperation or conflict. Satisfies exposure to international or comparative politics subfield. [GM2, SS, W]ParkPrerequisite: Govt 102 plus one from Govt 221-238, or permission of instructor

GOVT 416: Critical Theory: Power and Resistance

Should theorists just describe the world or, in cases of injustice, should they endeavor to change it? This course will explore an interconnected set of efforts to fulfill this latter task, through a wide variety of texts concerning power, domination, and the possibility of liberation. Although we will begin with Marxist concerns for class and exploitation, the second half of the course will interrogate forms of violence associated with race, normality, and gender. Satisfies exposure to political theory subfield. [W] FeolaPrerequisite: Govt 104 and one of the following: Govt 241, 243, 244, 245, 246, 248, 341, Phil 260, or permission of instructor

GOVT 417: Latino Immigration and American Politics

This course investigates the role of Latino immigrants in the U.S. political system. We will explore patterns of Latino immigration historically and today, theories of immigration, Latino citizen and non-citizen political attitudes and rates of political involvement. The course also evaluates the creation of both pro-immigrant and anti-immigrant policy outputs and considers the influence Latinos will have on American politics in the future. Satisfies exposure to U.S. Politics subfield. [SS, GM1, GM2, V, W]Prerequisite: Govt 101 and one of the following: Govt 211, 215, 227, 258, 315, Hist 275, or permission of instructor

GOVT 418: Democracy, Inclusion, Exclusion

Inclusion is often cited as a core democratic value. What exactly does it require, however? And, to what degree do liberal democracies meet (or fail to meet) this ideal? This course will explore the promise and limits of this political ideal, and chart a variety of concrete ways that groups are excluded from full political membership. Over the semester, we will consider these questions through issues of immigration, race, poverty, and sexuality. Satisfies exposure to political theory subfield. [W] FeolaPrerequisite: Govt 104 and one of the following: Govt 241, 243, 244, 245, 246, 248, 341, Phil 260, or permission of instructor

GOVT 419: Global Governance

This seminar explores the main actors and processes of global governance. We will assess the role of power, international institutions, transnational networks, and ideas. Specific topics of inquiry include global economic governance, the environment, third-world state building, international justice, military intervention, nuclear proliferation, and global terrorism. We will apply competing analytical approaches to different issue areas, as they intersect with the nature and management of global governance in the 21st century. Satisfies exposure to international politics subfield. [SS, GM2, W] ChoPrerequisite: Govt 102 plus one from Govt 221-238, 270, 322-336, or instructor’s permission

GOVT 420: Topics in Latin American Politics

Government 420 is an advanced seminar in Latin American politics. The course begins with a “crash course” in contemporary Latin American political history (Weeks 1-4) and, after that, proceeds thematically, exploring a particular topic in depth each week. Topics include the perils of presidential constitutions; the origins and significance of stable party systems; the resurgence of populism in the contemporary period; the decline of corporatism and the rise of new social movements; the changing role of the Catholic Church; the problem of state weakness; and the recent left turn. In examining these topics, we compare a variety of theoretical approaches (modernization, dependency, cultural, institutionalist, leadership-centered) in an effort to explain both general processes of change and important differences between countries. [W] Van Dyck
Prerequisite: Govt 102 or Govt 103 and one additional International or Comparative elective

GOVT 421: American Political Economy

This course examines the political development and function of the U.S. political economy. We will explore how political institutions and policies shaped economic arrangements from the founding to the present, and how economic interests, inequality, and identity influence U.S. politics today. The course will also explore in depth four aspects of U.S. political economy: the rise of finance, the welfare state, business regulation, and organized labor. This seminar will devote considerable attention to original research. [W] SorellePrerequisite: Govt 101 plus one of the following: Govt 211, 215, 218, 258, 271, 310, 320, 321, PSTD 251; or permission of the instructor.

GOVT 495, 496: Thesis

An independent research project on a topic to be selected by the student and approved by the department. A student must undertake such a program for two semesters to graduate with honors.Signature of the Instructor RequiredLearn more about the Honor Thesis